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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs, and, in some cases, the linings of the heart and abdomen. The primary reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma originate in the lung (pleura). However, it can be found in the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Some patients also feel abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to recognize in the early stages, especially when mesothelioma is still a relatively young disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not manifest for years or even decades following asbestos exposure. A physical examination and patient's health history are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. A doctor may require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can show an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two most common types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Around 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid. The majority of people diagnosed with pleural melanoma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In certain cases, a person with pleural mesothelioma could have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition called pericardial effusion, or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most reliable method to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to collect a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma also determines the method used by a doctor to treat the disease. For instance, if a person has pericardial mesothelioma, the doctor may eliminate excess fluid through pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or install an indwelling pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The mesothelioma-related cancer forms on the linings of the organs. The disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It can take between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Due to this latency period many patients can be misdiagnosed. It is often misinterpreted as other, less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis may cause delays in treatment, which can decrease a patient's chance of survival. Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma must see their doctor immediately. During the initial appointment, doctors will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any symptoms or conditions that could increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos and asbestos, and also the type and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then recommend imaging tests of the chest and abdomen to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, such as an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also reveal the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body. A doctor can also request an analysis of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and examining the lungs for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or through an instrument that guides the needle through a CT scan. The results will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment can boost the quality of life for patients and improve their outlook. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, like the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). While mesothelioma can't be treated however, treatment can reduce symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your health background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure since this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). In time, this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests. Your healthcare provider will employ a chest X-ray to see changes in the lung tissue and determine if you suffer from fluid build-up (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), to get detailed images. They may also perform the needle biopsy to collect an image of the affected tissue. meridian asbestos law firm , also known as a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue with an magnifying glass to find cancerous cell and determine the kind. To make the diagnosis, the pathologist will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain kinds of protein are present. The doctor will then employ a technique to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because mesothelioma cells appear like other types of cells found within the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis by performing other tests. These include a blood test to measure levels of fibulin-3 and mesothelin-related, soluble peptide. Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma, based on the type of cancer you have and its stage. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Palliative treatment may be offered if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This can relieve the discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on the stage and type of cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with experienced doctors to learn more about the treatment options available to them. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura) and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer form that arises in the protective lining of the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be examined. The doctors can compare the biopsy samples to a database in order to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information will help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma develops at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show signs of. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a doctor and be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors will look for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also conduct an easy blood test to assess a patient's overall health. If the results indicate that the patient is at a an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to determine if they are likely to develop a prognosis. This could include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as a lung function test and an chest MRI or PET scan.